by C. M. Sutter
Tom nodded. “Two for possession of heroin, but Jesse’s name isn’t listed as a person who testified. The others are for armed robbery and gang-related offenses.”
“Jesse couldn’t have been compelled to testify on those other cases. He only worked Narcotics.”
Tom shrugged. “We were told they were sending the court files that Adam Pitts and Bill Waters were part of. We haven’t gotten any that Jesse was involved in.”
Lutz pounded his fist on the desk. “Damn it. They said Jesse testified on those cases. How in the hell did they send you the wrong files? Now we’ll have to wait until morning when the courthouse opens again.”
“Sir, would it be possible for Henry to introduce me to Jim Crosley in Narcotics tomorrow? I’m sure there are plenty of cases he remembers that might lead us to the right person.”
“Good idea, and as a matter of fact, head over there first before reporting to work. Henry, meet Kate at the bed and breakfast at seven thirty, and she can follow you to that precinct. Once you get back, track me down. I want to know everything Jim discusses with you. By then, we should have the right files here too.”
I took in a relieved breath. “Thank you, sir. Little by little, we’re getting closer to the answers we need.”
Chapter 33
John knew that Jim rode the L to work every morning but that Friday was Jim’s scheduled day off. Unfamiliar with Jim’s off-day routine, John would somehow have to lure him out or find a way into the house. Killing the detective inside would be less risky and sounded like a far better idea. He could take his time with the man.
John pushed up his sleeve and checked his watch—7:23. Jim’s wife would come out the back door and enter the detached garage any minute. She’d take the kids to school then be on her way to work. John bided his time and watched from the end of the alley.
“Ah, here we go.” He saw the wife and two kids exit the fenced yard and enter the side door of the garage. Seconds later, a Subaru Crosstrek backed out and headed in his direction. John shielded his face as the vehicle passed by. Jim’s wife sat behind the wheel, and the two kids were in the backseat.
Good. They’re out of the way. Now I have to get inside and take Jim by surprise.
John climbed out of the four-door hatchback. The SUV would stay safely garaged for the time being just in case anyone had noticed it on his previous outings. At the moment, he was more concerned with checking out the neighborhood on foot. John didn’t want to see people milling about since the houses were too close to each other as it was. He walked the opposite side of the street, glanced at every window, and noticed that many homes still had the front curtains drawn.
Even better.
Movement on the Crosley front porch took him by surprise. He was only two doors away but had nowhere to go but forward. John continued on. He saw Jim kneel for a second at the doormat then take to the sidewalk in a sweatshirt and gym pants. He was out for a morning run. John shook his head in disbelief.
Seriously, dude? You just made my job a whole lot easier. All I have to do now is wait inside for you to get back from your run. That’s when the excitement will begin.
John followed Jim with his eyes until he turned the corner and was out of sight. He sized up the house and the easiest way to make entry without looking suspicious. Jim had knelt at the doormat, and there could be only one reason why—he’d put the house key under it. Lingering on the front porch for any length of time would look suspicious if the key wasn’t there, but the backyard was fenced, and every house on that block was single-story. Nobody would see him once he made it past the gate.
The backyard will be my second choice if the key isn’t under the mat.
John craned his neck in both directions and didn’t see anybody on the sidewalk or exiting a house. It was time to go. He pocketed the syringe, stuck the gun in his waistband, then draped his shirt and jacket over it. He pulled down the ball cap and slipped on the gloves. John rounded the vehicle and, with his head down, reached the Crosley porch in a few seconds. He looked back and scanned the area—the street was quiet. John lifted the mat and saw the single key lying beneath it.
Damn, that was easy.
He unlocked the door, slipped the key back under the mat, and went inside. He turned the lock and continued through the foyer. A right turn landed him face-to-face with a startled dog.
Shit! I wasn’t expecting this. Be cool and find him some food.
“Hey, boy, it’s okay. Want something to eat?”
All right, slow movements and don’t look scared.
The dog let out a low growl but cocked its head when John pulled a stick of gum from his pocket. “Here you go, buddy.” He walked to the slider, opened it, and tossed the foil-wrapped gum onto the patio. The dog ran out, and John slammed the door behind him. “Stupid mutt. At least you’re out of my way.” John continued down the hallway in search of a good hiding spot.
Jim will likely take a shower when he gets back and then put on a clean change of clothes. Hiding in the closet is probably the best idea, and he won’t be prepared for my attack. His death will be attributed to a heart attack after his morning workout. Nobody will learn the truth unless there’s an autopsy. It makes no difference to me, I’m invisible to law enforcement anyway.
John noticed Jim’s service weapon on the bottom shelf of the nightstand and picked it up. He pulled out the drawer to make sure there wasn’t another gun handy—there wasn’t.
I better put this somewhere else. No need to give him an edge.
He opened the dresser drawers until he found what he was looking for. Folded bras and panties told him the drawer belonged to the wife.
I’ll hide the gun beneath her underwear. Jim has no reason to look there.
With the gun safely tucked away, John cleared the other rooms. Nothing looked to be a threat anywhere else in the house. He heard the key turn in the lock and retreated to the master bedroom, where he slipped inside the closet. He’d wait there until he had the perfect opportunity to strike.
Chapter 34
I had just brushed my teeth and rinsed my mouth when my cell phone rang. I picked it up and saw that Henry was calling. “Good morning, Henry. Are you on your way?”
“I hate to admit it, but I’m early. I’m already parked outside the inn.”
“Not a problem. I’ll be down in five minutes.” I hung up, grabbed everything I needed for the day, and locked my room’s door behind me. I’d grab two packaged muffins from the kitchen and toss them in my purse. That way I could free up my hands for coffee. With Henry being a bachelor, I had my doubts that he’d eaten anything substantial before work. A muffin and coffee couldn’t hurt.
I crossed the street to Henry’s car and noticed a smile on his face when he saw the coffee cups in my hand.
Henry lowered his window. “How did you know I was out of coffee at home?”
I laughed. “I’m a psychic, remember?” I passed one through the window. “That’s not all. I bet you’re fresh out of muffins too.”
“Thanks, Kate, that was really nice of you.” He pointed over his shoulder. “We’re going that way so just follow me once I turn around.”
I was in my car and behind Henry several minutes later. According to Henry, we had a twenty-minute drive north. I’d stay tight on his bumper since the rush hour traffic would be in full force at that time.
Once we got through the stop-and-go traffic that weaved from lane to lane, we arrived at the precinct just after eight.
I climbed out of the cruiser, feeling relieved. “That was brutal.”
Henry laughed as we headed to the entrance. “You should have hit the lights. Everyone clears out of the way when they see the flashing blue lights in their rearview mirror.”
“You aren’t serious, are you?”
He swiped the air. “Nah, I’m just kidding. You never enjoy the rat race, but you get used to it. It’s weird that the traffic was so heavy for a Friday. I guess the people who take three-day weekends are ou
t and about.” Henry held the door open and tipped his head toward the counter. “We’ll have to check in.”
“Got it.”
We approached the desk sergeant and pulled out our badges. I had to sign in with my name, badge number, and the name of the Wisconsin county I was from.
Moments later, the desk sergeant pressed the door-release button and allowed us through. “Is there somebody in particular you need to see?”
Henry spoke up. “Yes, Detective Crosley from Narcotics.”
“Sure thing. I’ll ring their unit.”
We waited silently as the desk sergeant made the call.
“Yes, I have two detectives here from the Wentworth station to speak to Detective Crosley. Uh-huh, give me a second.” He held his hand over the mouthpiece and spoke to us. “Apparently today is Detective Crosley’s day off.”
Henry scratched his chin. “Shoot. I never thought to double-check. Is there another detective in Narcotics that has been here for several years?”
The desk sergeant lifted his hand toward us. “Give me a minute.” He continued his conversation with the person on the other end of the line. “Sure, I’ll send them in.” He ended the call and stood and opened the second door. “I’ll show you the way to Narcotics. Sergeant Finley is in charge of that department, and he can help you out.”
We followed the desk sergeant down two hallways that opened up to several large office spaces. He tipped his head to the right. “This is the bull pen for Narcotics. Sergeant Finley said Hathaway is the only detective at his desk right now.”
“Thanks. We’ll see if he can help us.”
Henry and I entered the bull pen with the desk sergeant. A middle-aged man with graying temples sat at a desk in a private office surrounded by a wall of glass. He rose from his chair, placed his glasses on the desk, and approached us.
The desk sergeant made the introductions. “Sergeant Keith Finley, this is Detective Johnson from the homicide division on Wentworth and Detective Kate Pierce from the Washburn County Sheriff’s Office in Wisconsin.”
Sergeant Finley extended his hand and gave me a quizzical look. “Have we met before, Detective Pierce?”
“I don’t believe so, sir.”
He shrugged and welcomed us into his office. “Have a seat, Detectives. I hear you were hoping to speak to Crosley.”
Henry led the conversation. “We were, sir, and it’s only because he’s been in this unit for some time.”
“That he has, but unfortunately, today is his off day.” He looked out through the wall of glass. “Four detectives are out on calls, so that only leaves Hathaway in the bull pen at the moment.”
“My understanding is that Crosley used to be Jesse McCord’s partner.”
“Yep, he sure was. Those two made a great team. No news on Jesse yet?”
“No, and that’s why we wanted to speak with Jim. He’d probably be able to recall most cases that Jesse was compelled to testify in. We need more information if we ever hope to find Jesse.”
“Understood, and Hathaway couldn’t help you. He transferred here when Jesse went to Homicide. They never worked together.”
“We’ve been told that Jim Crosley is the lead detective on the drug side of the Terry Lewis investigation.”
“That’s correct, Detective Pierce.”
I shook my head. “It’s imperative that we speak to Jim. Scouring through old court cases to try to find a lead is very time-consuming. I’m sure Jim has valuable information that can speed up the process of finding Jesse and I’m not sure anyone else can help us.”
“Feel free to give him a call, Detectives. It is his day off, but if he wants to work on his own dime, that’s entirely up to him.”
I raised my brows at Henry. “I think that’s the route we need to take, and it might be the fastest option.”
“I agree.” Henry looked at the sergeant. “We’ll need his personal phone number.”
“How about I make the call and clear it with him first?”
Henry nodded. “Yeah, we’re okay with that.”
The sergeant pulled a sheet of paper with names and phone numbers from his center top desk drawer. He ran his finger down the sheet. “Let’s see. Okay, here it is.”
We watched as he dialed Jim Crosley’s number and we could hear the phone ringing on the other end of the line. Sergeant Finley glanced at the clock when the phone rang for the third time, then he hung up on the fourth ring. “That’s odd. Jim always answers his phone.” He ran his fingers through his thinning hair. “Okay, here’s his number. Let me know if you get through to him.”
“Will do, and thank you, sir.” Henry and I shook the sergeant’s hand and left the police station.
Outside, I stood against the cruiser with my arms folded. “What do you want to do?”
Henry looked out toward the road. “We aren’t expected back until after we talk to Jim. I’m pretty sure Mills knows where he lives.”
“We’re going to show up unannounced on Jim’s day off?”
“Do you have a better idea? It isn’t like it’s a holiday. His kids are in school, his wife is at work, and he’s probably lying on the couch and watching TV. I’m calling Mills.” Henry pulled his phone from his pants pocket and dialed Mills at the Wentworth station. “I’ll keep trying to reach Crosley on our way. I wouldn’t want anyone showing up unexpectedly at my house either.”
Henry waited for a few seconds then began talking to Mills, and I pulled out my notepad so I could write down the address.
“Yep, 442 East Forty-First Street. Got it. Thanks, pal, and I swear I won’t tell him it was you that gave me his address.” Henry clicked off and pocketed his phone.
“That’s only a few miles from here,” I said as I programmed the address into my phone’s GPS system. “I’ll follow you.”
We climbed into our cars, and I pulled out behind Henry. I hoped he’d reach Jim by phone before we arrived at his house.
Chapter 35
Taking a short shower was a nice gesture on your part, Jim. I’m not good at being patient when I have my mind set on something.
John rubbed his hands together.
Now we can get down to business.
He listened as Jim turned off the water, opened the shower door, then closed it after stepping out. John heard Jim humming from the other side of the wall. He had to hold back his laughter as he envisioned how quickly Jim’s expression would change in a few short minutes.
The bathroom door opened, and Jim was only feet from the closet. John could see the man’s legs through the louvered door. Jim turned and walked to the dresser, where he opened a drawer. Five minutes passed, and he’d gone through several drawers.
Quit milling around. Isn’t there anything you need from the closet, for God’s sake?
Moments later, Jim left the bedroom, and the family room TV began playing.
John cursed under his breath. “You son of a bitch, I had everything planned out, and now you went and ruined it.” John slid the closet door to the side and stepped out. The sound of silverware and dishes clanking told John that Jim was in the kitchen. He peeked around the corner then quickly pulled back.
Jim rounded the corner and opened the slider. “What the hell are you doing outside, Toby? I swear, kids these days. If their heads weren’t screwed on, they’d probably misplace them.”
The dog ran past Jim and settled in the kitchen. With the door closed, Jim returned to his breakfast preparations.
John popped his head around the corner again and could barely see the left side of Jim at the stove. The element of surprise was quickly fading, and the dog could easily give him away.
Damn it. I may as well just shoot him in the head like he did to Mason. I have the suppressor on the gun already.
Jim stepped out from the hallway and walked toward the kitchen, with the gun pointing directly at Jim’s head. Jim spun at the sound of a bullet being chambered.
“Son of a bitch. What the hell is going on?”
> Toby’s ears folded back, and he began to snarl.
“Put that dog in the laundry room, or I’ll shoot him between the eyes. You’ve got five seconds.”
Jim grabbed the dog’s collar and dragged him through the kitchen. The dog growled and resisted as he tried to leap toward John. “Go on, get in there, boy, it’s for your own good.” Jim pushed the dog into the laundry room and Toby yelped and clawed against the door as Jim closed it.
“What is this about? Aren’t you—?”
“Shut up. You only talk when I say so. Get on the floor, now!”
Jim knelt on the kitchen tile, and John stepped closer. He pushed the end of the suppressor against Jim’s temple. “How do you sleep at night? You shot my stepbrother in the face and killed him instantly. He had his entire life ahead of him.”
“You’re Mason Daily’s stepbrother? How is that possible? He made meth and dealt drugs. He got kids hooked on that shit. You’re a—”
“Grieving stepbrother? Lay flat on the floor and turn your head toward me. We’re going to reenact how you killed Mason!”
Jim pleaded. “The gun went off accidentally. It was his fault. He pulled my leg out from under me. Please, I have a wife and kids who need me.”
“And I needed my stepbrother. I have nobody, and neither will your family”—he looked at his watch—“starting now.” A pop sounded, and Jim’s head bounced off the floor. Breaking tiles beneath him meant the bullet had penetrated his skull and cracked the floor where blood had begun to pool. The bullet entered Jim’s face just below his left eye and killed him instantly. “There, that’s exactly how you killed Mason. Tit for tat. You should thank me for being merciful. God knows it would have been far worse for you if I had followed through with my original plan.”
The sound of car doors closing outside caught John’s attention. He inched the living room curtain to the side and peeked out. “Those sons of bitches just don’t quit.”
Detective Pierce and a guy in a sport jacket were heading toward the house. John secured the gun in his waistband, opened the slider, and slipped out through the backyard. He exited the gate—just as the family did earlier—and took the alley back to his car.
